Agricultural News

Farmers in the Idabel, OK Area to Learn Best Soil Health Practices During Seminar Set for May 11th

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:26:34 CDT

As part of their commitment to help production agriculture in Oklahoma and the Southern Plains of the United States, The Choctaw Nation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Redlands Community College and the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub will be hosting a Soil Health Seminar on Thursday May 11, 2017 from 9am to 3pm in Idabel. According to Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation, this event, which is part of the ongoing soil health partnership between the Nation and NRCS, will provide farmers and ranchers an opportunity to learn about some of the options they have for the application of soil health practices in Southeast Oklahoma and Northeast Texas.

“We are very excited to partner with NRCS, Redlands Community College and the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub to make this event happen,” Batton said. “The farmers and ranchers in our area have several options for improving the health of their soil. By having something green and growing on their land as long as possible, ag producers can increase the microbial activity in their soil, improve fertilizer efficiency and help their soil increase its water holding capacity.”

Issues to be discussed at the event include grain and forage sorghum production; ongoing research on new crop species and varieties being conducted by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); producer perspectives on planting and grazing summer cover crops; presentations from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation; and an overview of the agriculture demonstration, education and outreach efforts being undertaken by the Choctaw Nation in partnership with NRCS.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by May 4 by calling or emailing Clay Popeat 405-699-2087, Jack Hicks at 580-326-3201 (ext. 6019), or Carol Crouch at 405-612-9331 to register. There is no charge for the meeting and lunch will be provided.

Registration will begin at 9:00 at the at the Choctaw Nation Community Center, located at 2408 E. Lincoln Road, in Idabel, Oklahoma.